Massive Raids Target Non-Compliant E-Commerce Products
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has intensified its efforts to combat the sale of non-compliant products on e-commerce platforms, conducting extensive search and seizure operations across major cities. Recent raids at warehouses belonging to Amazon and Flipkart have uncovered thousands of uncertified items, prompting legal action against the responsible entities. These operations underscore the urgent need for stricter compliance with safety regulations in the online marketplace.
Significant Seizures at E-Commerce Warehouses
On March 7, 2025, BIS conducted a raid at an Amazon warehouse in Lucknow, resulting in the seizure of 215 toys and 24 hand blenders that lacked the mandatory BIS certification. This followed a similar operation in February 2025 at another Amazon facility in Gurugram, where officials confiscated a variety of non-certified items, including 58 aluminum foils and 34 metallic water bottles. The crackdown extended to Flipkart, where a raid at a Gurugram warehouse operated by Instakart Services Pvt Ltd led to the seizure of 534 stainless steel bottles, 134 toys, and 41 speakers, all found to be uncertified. Investigations revealed that many of these non-compliant products traced back to Techvision International Pvt Ltd. In response, BIS executed raids at two of Techvision’s facilities in Delhi, uncovering approximately 7,000 electric water heaters and 4,000 electric food mixers, among other items, all lacking BIS certification. The seized products included well-known brands such as Digismart, Activa, and Cello Swift.
Legal Actions and Penalties Under BIS Act
Following the seizures, BIS has initiated legal proceedings against Techvision International Pvt Ltd for violations of the BIS Act, 2016. Two court cases have already been filed, with additional cases expected as more seizures occur. Under the BIS Act, defaulters face penalties starting at two lakh rupees, which can escalate to ten times the value of the goods sold. In severe cases, offenders may also face imprisonment for up to two years. BIS is committed to ensuring that consumer products meet safety and quality standards. The organization is actively monitoring the market and conducting rigorous testing on various consumer goods, including kitchen appliances and toys, to verify compliance with established standards. This proactive approach aims to protect consumers from the dangers posed by substandard products.
Ongoing Surveillance and Consumer Awareness
BIS has ramped up market surveillance to identify non-certified products sold on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Despite the mandatory BIS certification for many consumer goods, numerous uncertified items continue to be available online, posing significant safety risks. These products often lack the ISI Mark or display an invalid license number, indicating they have not undergone the necessary testing. In light of these findings, BIS has issued notices to e-commerce platforms, urging them to ensure that only certified products are listed for sale. The organization emphasizes the importance of due diligence in maintaining consumer safety. To assist consumers, BIS has launched the BIS Care app, which allows users to verify the authenticity of products and report any concerns regarding non-compliance.
Commitment to Consumer Safety
BIS remains dedicated to safeguarding consumer interests and improving product quality in the market. The organization encourages the public to utilize the BIS Care app for information on mandatory certifications and to report any issues with uncertified products. For further details, consumers can visit the BIS website at www.bis.gov.in.
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